Bravery just means that you went up to the plate and you tried to swing.

Like sometimes, it just means you SHOWED UP.

It means you continued.

You went forward.

You put one foot in front of the other.

You. Were. Vulnerable.

So, there’s my word, vulnerable.

Instead of associating bravery with victory, I now associate it with vulnerability.

Putting yourself out there because it will grow you even if it hurts you or is hard along the way.

Bravery is allowing yourself to be vulnerable, in whatever type of way, so that you can be a better version of yourself.

Because what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

And fire sharpens you.

And victory encourages you.

So, no matter the result, you are a better you because you were a braver you.

And a braver you is a you that is more like Jesus because He performed the biggest act of bravery of all- the cross.

Let’s be real, if being considered brave required climbing Mount Everest or facing our biggest fear, it would be a big feat and a lot of us wouldn’t qualify.

But I don’t think it’s just that.

I think it’s just more so about following Jesus in the everyday things that aren’t easy or preferable.

It’s just continuing on, taking what life throws at you and flippin’ swinging the bat anyway.

Know what I mean?

So, today, I am not praying that you are necessarily “successful” in the terms that you win by worldly terms.

But rather, I am praying that you are braver, because In Jesus’ terms, I believe that is success in its very best form.

Be vulnerable.

Let yourself feel the scary emotions, enter the uncertain circumstances, take the first step of the staircase, jump over the hurdles of your past, step in uncharted waters….do it.

In the words of the very incredible and brave Nelson Mandela, “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

Being vulnerable, being brave, that is continuing forward in the face of fear.

If we never enter situations that scare us or make ourselves vulnerable, then bravery is not required.

Be a braver you.

Be a more vulnerable you.

I am proud of you already

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” -2 Timothy 1:7

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My name is Cleere Cherry and I am the creator of Cleerely Stated. What started as a simple blog has now turned into a full-blown encouraging gift line and I am SO thankful that the Lord had bigger plans than my small expectations.